Bylaws

Purpose

The bylaws serve as the National Women's Studies Association's (NWSA) governing documents in that they outline the policies and procedures for operations. Core elements of the Bylaws include descriptions of roles for members of the Governing Council (GC), elections and voting procedures for our membership, and protocols for daily and emergency operations.

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Forthcoming Amendments

Per Article X, NWSA bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the GC. Proposed amendments will be made available to the membership (e.g., posted online) fourteen (14) days prior to the vote. Adopted amendments will then be published on the NWSA website.

The GC will vote to amend the bylaws on April 11, 2025. The twenty-three (23) proposed amendments were initiated by various members of the GC and the Executive Director (ED). Members may email questions, concerns, and/or comments on the proposed amendments to Secretary Umme al-Wazedi (with “Bylaws Amendments” in the subject line) by 11:59PM ET on April 4, 2025.

Review Proposed Amendments

Governing Council

NWSA is governed by a Governing Council (GC) comprised of the Executive Committee (EC), which includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, four Members-at Large, and the Chairs/Co-Chairs of the Lesbian Caucus and Women of Color Caucus. The GC serves as the Association's Board of Directors and therefore has all the authority and responsibilities usually assigned to such a body and as set forth in law, Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and other policy documents. 

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Membership Assembly

NWSA hosts a Membership Assembly during the annual conference, which is a vital practice of transparent communication and accountability with members of the Association. During the meeting, members receive an annual report of the status of the Association, receive reports from committees and constituent groups as appropriate, deliberate upon recommendations for fostering the mission of NWSA, and consider such other business as may properly come before the membership.

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